Botanical and Common Names

• Family Labiatae (Lamiacea)
• Monarda didyma (Oswego Tea, Scarlet Monarda, Bee Balm, Blue Balm, High Balm, Low Balm, Mountain Balm, Mountain Mint, Bergamot)
• Monarda fistulosa (Bee Balm, Bergamot, Horsemint, American Horsemint, Long-flowered Horsemint, Purple Bergamot, Oregano, Plains Bee Balm, Fern Mint)
• Monarda punctata (Horsemint, Spotted Monarda, Monarda Lutea, Wild Bergamot)

Cautions

• Do not take during pregnancy.

Description

Native to the eastern and central US, the herb is an aromatic perennial, growing to three feet, producing downy lance-shaped leaves and double-lipped, red-spotted yellow flowers, growing in whorls from the leaf axils. It flourishes in dry, sandy soil. There are now about 252 genera and 6700 species worldwide.

History

The genus name, Monarda, was given in honour of Nicolas Monardes, a Spanish physician from Seville, whose herbal of 1569 detailed the medicinal uses of a number of “New World” plants.

Horsemint was traditionally taken by Native Americans for nausea and vomiting and to encourage perspiration during colds. It was also applied externally as a poultice for swelling and rheumatic pain.

In 19th century America, “oswego tea” was considered a tonic for young mothers and traditionally given to brides.

The scent of M. didyma is similar to that of the bergamot orange, and hence one nickname.

The Lakota drank a tea made from the flower clusters as a remedy for fevers and colds. A tea from the leaves was used for whooping cough and other coughs. It was also considered good for those who fainted. For eye pain, the Lakotas wrapped boiled leaves in a soft cloth and placed it on the eyes for overnight. The Winnebago did the same for acne and skin eruptions. Chewed leaves were placed on wounds to stop blood flow.

 Many other North American tribes (Blackfoot, Chippewa, Crow, Flathead, Lakota, Meskwaki, Navajo, Ojibwa, Teton Sioux) have used oswego tea to treat coughs and colds, fever, and abdominal pains, including those caused by flatulence. The Menominee used the leaves and flowers to make a tea to treat catarrh. Kiowas soothed insect bites and stings by applying a mixture of crumpled bee balm leaves, spotted bee balm (M. pectinata), and saliva (Today, it is probably best to use filtered water!).

Key Actions

• antipyretic
• antiseptic
• anti-inflammatory
• antispasmodic
• carminative
• diuretic
• digestive aid
• menstrual regulator
• promotes sweating

Key Components

• volatile oil (mainly thymol)

Medicinal Parts

• Aerial parts

Traditional Uses

Its strong volatile oil results in a good remedy for such digestive problems as nausea, indigestion, flatulence, and colic.

Taken internally or applied externally, it helps reduce mucus and fevers by promoting sweating during upper respiratory problems. It also has an antiseptic action within the chest.

It strongly stimulates menstruation.

Applied externally, the plant is a counterirritant useful for skin rashes.

It helps to lessen the pain of arthritis and rheumatic joints by increasing the flow of blood in the affected area, thereby, hastening the flushing of toxins.

Botanical Name

• Family Apiacea (Umbelliferae)
• Ligusticum porteri

Common Names

 Chuchupate/Chuchupaste/Chuchupatle/Chuchupati (Spanish – mix and match spelling ranging from Nahuatl to Tejano), Colorado Cough Root, Mountain Ginseng, Nipo, Indian Root, Empress Of The Dark Forest, Bear Medicine, Wild Lovage, Porters Lovage, Mountain Carrot

      Cautions       The plant can be confused with poisonous hemlock. The primary way to tell the difference is by the root. Osha root is quite hairy and possesses a strong smell similar to celery. The inner pith is yellow and has a somewhat soapy feeling. It is important to know the plant because you have only one chance to get it right.       Do not use during pregnancy or if breastfeeding.

      Description       Related to lovage and a member of the Parsley family, osha is a perennial, growing above 7,000 feet throughout the entire Rocky Mountain range from Mexico to Canada. The plant stands about two or three feet in height and posseses the characteristic umbel (umbrella) flower shape and leaves that look a little like parsley. It can be stubborn and strong, often growing in aspen groves among their roots, making digging very difficult.       Osha does not like to be domesticated, and is virtually impossible to grow under cultivation. Because the plants do not reproduce freely, most, if not all, of the commercially available osha is taken from the wild; and, because the root is the part of the plant taken, widespread harvesting will diminish availability unless the harvesting is done very carefully. It is one of the few herbs that can be dried in the sun without harm and will last for years in the dried form. It will not rot because of the potent antibacterial and antiviral substances in the root.

      History       The common Mexican name for the plant, chuchupate, is said to be an ancient Aztec term meaning "bear medicine." Bears respond to the herb like cats do to catnip. They will roll on it and cover themselves with its scent. Males have been seen to dig up the roots and offer them to females as part of courting. When a bear first comes out of hibernation, it will eat osha if it can find it, to cleanse its digestive system. The bear will chew the root into a watery paste, then spit it on its paws and wash its face with the herb. It will then spray the herb over its body as the herb possesses strong action against bodily parasites. It is not known how the bears came to acquire this herbal knowledge, but their use is legendary in all cultures who refer to it as such — bear medicine. This is the reason that the bear is considered to be the prime healing animal in many cultures because it uses plants for its own healing. Any plant that is considered to be "bear medicine" is a potent and primary one.       Early pioneers in Colorado called it "Colorado cough root" because of its effectiveness for that condition.       The genus name, Ligusticum, is named after the Italian city of Liguria.       Osha was originally used by Native Americans to treat colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. Since osha displays a strong affinity for the respiratory system, Native American runners would chew the root to increase endurance. It was also worn in medicine pouches and around the ankles to ward off rattlesnakes. Flathead Indians would wash the roots in a mountain stream near where the root was growing to help bring rain or water.

      Key Actions

• antiviral
• carminative
• diaphoretic
• diuretic
• decongestant
• stimulates the immune system

      Key components

• volatile oils
• essential oil
• terpenes
• lactone glycoside
• saponins
• ferulic acid
• phytosterols

      Medicinal Parts

• Root

      Traditional Uses       Osha is considered to be a "warming" herb, strongly for the respiratory system and mildly for other body systems, including the upper gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, central nervous system, lymphatic, reproductive, integumentary, and parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. It is used for such conditions as head colds with dry, irritating coughs, the initial stages of acute pharyngitis, as well as subacute pharyngitis that has been slow to heal, early stage tonsillitis, acute influenza with coughing and dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and acute bronchial pneumonia with dyspnea. When used with echinacea, it is effective against leukocytosis (an increase in white blood cells), which is usually indicative of an impending infection.       Because of its strong antiviral proterties, it should be taken at the first minimal signs of flu or cold, which often include a dulling of the mind because of sinus congestion. It is extremely good for sore throats and bronchial inflammations, and will soothe and anesthetize almost immediately, and, with its diaphoretic properties, causes sweating, thereby helping to eliminate toxins. It is especially good in cough syrups. A simple syrup is to mix the ground root with twice the amount of honey, steep for an hour, then press out when cool and use the liquid.       Because the root strongly affects the respiratory system, making it stronger, it seems to help those travelling, or living, at higher altitudes.       The tea, powdered root, or tincture is also antibacterial and excellent on skin wounds to prevent infection.       Osha is excellent for stomach indigestion and for cramping or pain associated with the beginnings of ulceration. Although it is the root that is used medicinally, the leaves and seeds make excellent culinary additions.       Osha roots can be used several times before the medicinal properties are exhausted.       Osha is now sold in capsule form in combination with Lomatium root, which is another reputed immune enhancer used by Native Americans.       Other species, Ligusticum canbyi and Ligusticum scorticum, can be used interchangeably with Ligusticum porteri.

Botanical and Common Names

• Family Berberidaceae
• Berberis aquifolium syn. Mahonia aquifolia (Wild Oregon Grape, Rocky Mountain Grape, Mountain Oregon Grape, Trailing Mahonia, Sourberry, Berberry, Holley-Leaved Berberry, Berberis, Oregon Berberina, Oregon Grape Root, Berberitze)
• Berberis vulgaris (Barberry, Berberry, Pipperidge, Jaundice Berry, Sow Berry, Mountain Grape)

Cautions

• An overdose of the root bark can cause diarrhea, kidney irritation, light stupor, nosebleeds, and vomiting. High doses taken internally can result in nausea, headaches, and lowered blood sugar.
• Because of the alkaloid action on the heart and uterine muscles, pregnant women, or those with heart disease, should avoid this herb.
• Take for no more than four to six weeks at a time without a break.

Description

 The Oregon Grape is one of over 450 species native to North America and found growing in the Rocky Mountains up to 7,000 feet and in the woods from Colorado to the Pacific Coast. It is particularly abundant in Oregon and northern California, through to British Columbia, in Canada. It is an evergreen shrub, growing to about six feet, producing shiny heaves, small, yellowish-green flowers, and, in the autumn, purple berries.

Barberry is a thorny, deciduous shrub, growing to ten feet with leathery leaves, yellow flowers, and red berries in autumn. Although used interchangeably medicinally, Oregon Grape is thought to be the stronger of the two species.

History

 According to the Doctrine of Signatures, if a plant resembles part of the human anatomy, it was made for that purpose. Therefore, the barberry is considered to be good for the liver because of its distinctive electric yellow bark. Since yellow is the first indication that the liver is ailing, barberry was used to treat liver malfunctions.

Native Americans used a decoction of the bitter-tasting root for appetite loss and debility.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Oregon Grape was prescribed as a detoxifier and tonic. It was an important herb in the Physiomedicalist movement, who based their therapies on a combination of orthodox and Native American practices.

In ancient Egypt, barberries were macerated with fennel seed to make a drink used for fevers.

Although extremely sour, Barberries were used in the past to make preserves, including the French confiture d'epine vinette.

Called the Oregon Grape in North America, barberries were introduced to the US by Europeans and used extensively by Native Americans, who ate the berries raw or made them into a jam. As well as a medicine, the root was used raw or boiled as a flavouring in stew. The wood and bark made a yellow dye. The Catawba used the herb for peptic ulcers. The Blackfeet peeled the root, dried it, and made an infusion to stop rectal hemorrhage and dysentery. By adding fennel seed, the bitterness was made a little more palatable. Barberry often grows naturally alongside another plant called Pipsissewa. Both plants were used in combination to treat any acute or chronic illness.

Barberry came into common usage when Parke, Davis, and Company offered a product for sale to physicians in the late 1900s as a treatment for such infectious diseases as typhoid and early-stage tuberculosis.

In the Southwest, Spanish colonials found a variety and called it Palo Amarillo or Fremont's barberry (Mahonia fremontii). It looks more like a holly tree with blue berries rather than red. Native Americans used it for tuberculosis, rheumatism, and jaundice. Considered a cooling plant. It was also used to treat such things as fevers, hepatitis, and malaria.

In upstate New York, colonists found another variety, the Canadian barberry (Berberis canadensis), which was used like other barberries.

Key Actions

• antidiarrheal
• antipyretic
• antibiotic
• antibacterial
• antiparasitic
• anti-inflammatory
• astringent
• cancer-inhibiting
• digestive aid
• hypoglycemic
• mildly laxative
• stimulates bile secretion and peristalsis

Key Components

• isoquinoline alkaloids (including berberine, berbamine, and hydrastine)
• antioxidants in the berries (especially vitamin C)

Medicinal Parts

 Root (Oregon Grape), stem bark, root bark, and berries (Barberry)

Berberine is a noted antimicrobial proving effective against bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that can cause diarrhea and other infections.

Barberry also contains important anticancer compounds called dehydropodophyllotoxin and podophyllotoxin.

Berbamine, another alkaloid, appears to bolster immunity.

Scientists have also discovered sedative and anticonvulsant properties in some of the components, as well as substances that may help lower blood pressure and reduce muscle spasms.

Remedies

 A tincture is used to stimulate bile secretions.

A decoction of the fruits is used to treat lung, spleen, and liver diseases. It is also an effective, and gentle, wash for the eyes, if sufficiently diluted.

Jams made from the berries are used to relieve constipation and stimulate the appetite.

Juices have been used to stimulate the immune system, treat feverish colds, and diseases of the urinary tract.

Syrups can be used for coughs.

Washes from a root decoction are used for cuts and bruises.

Traditional Uses

 Oregon Grape bark was traditionally used to treat a wide variety of diseases, including liver malfunctions, gallbladder disease, jaundice, splenopathy, indigestion, diarrhea, tuberculosis, piles, renal disease, urinary tract disorders, gout, rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago, malaria, and leishmaniasis.

The yellow root is used as a hepatic stimulant that increases the flow of bile through the liver and gallbladder. As the bile acts like a detergent and flows freely, it cleanses and filters out toxic wastes. Barberries help such conditions as spleen enlargement, gallbladder pain, gallstones, as well as jaundice and hepatitis. An underestimated herb, it has also been used as a general tonic to improve the absorption of nutrients. Barberry is often combined with such bitter herbs as wild yam, dandelion, and licorice root as a treatment for digestive conditions.

Barberries are strongly antiseptic and invaluable in cases of amebic dysentery, cholera, and other similar gastrointestinal infections. When taken in small amounts, the bark extract helps treat diarrhea, while in larger amounts, is an effective laxative.

Oregon grape is thought to reduce the severity of psoriasis and also is used to treat other skin conditions, including eczema, boils, acne, and herpes.

The Chinese use seventeen different barberry varieties in their medicine. All contain berberine, a noted antibacterial. The plants are used mainly to treat various intestinal infections, as well as to stimulate the uterus and to relax the intestinal smooth muscle. Since berberine is not absorbed well orally, the alkaloids or extracts are often used.

The berries can be made into pies or jams and the tender greens used as a salad vegetable. The wood was used in the making of bright yellow clothing dye.

Botanical and Common Names

• Family Labiatae
• Origanum vulgare (Oregano, Origano, Wild Marjoram, Winter Marjoram, Mountain Mint, Wintersweet; Spanish: Oregano castillo, Yerba Dulce)
• Origanum majorana syn. Majorana hortensis (Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram)
• Origanum heraclites (Greek Oregano)
• Origanum onites (Italian Oregano)
• Origanum vivens (Spanish Oregano)

Cautions

• It is contraindicated in those with gallbladder or liver disease.
• Do not take as a medicine during pregnancy. However, cooking amounts do not pose a problem.
• Do not take the essential oil internally.
• Marjoram salve should not be administered to infants or small children.
• External use may cause irritation of the skin.
• It should not be used extensively or by those prone to anemia as it may inhibit the absorption of iron.
• It should not be given to children under the age of two.

Description

 Native to Europe and naturalized in the Middle East, oregano is widely cultivated as a culinary herb. Oregano is an upright perennial herb, growing to about thirty-two inche,s but can reach heights of six feet. It has square, red stems, elliptical leaves, and clusters of deep pink flowers. It thrives in chalky soils near the sea, and is gathered when in flower during the summer. There are about forty different plants known as oregano.

Marjoram is a woody perennial herb native to countries bordering the Mediterranean, but now widely cultivated, especially in Germany. Depending on the area of cultivation, there may be two crops per year. It grows to about twenty inches, having aromatic, light green, oval leaves and pinkish white flowers emerging from the upper leaf axils. The leaves have a mild sage-like flavour.

History

 The oregano plants are well known food seasonings, as well as having a long history as medicinal plants. In China, they have long been used to treat fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Oregano was much used by the ancient Greeks, and had a more significant role in medicine than did marjoram.

The 18th century herbalist, K'Eogh described it as having a "hot, dry nature" considered good for stomach pains and the heart as well as for coughs, pleurisy, and "obstructions of the lungs and womb", and thought to be a "comfort" to the head and nerves.

In 1597, the herbalist John Gerard made an assessment of marjoram, saying that it was a remedy "against cold diseases of the braine and head" including that of toothaches. It was also thought to lower the sex drive.

Key Actions

• antiseptic
• antifungal
• antiviral
• antimicrobial
• antihelmintic
• antispasmodic
• choleretic (stimulates liver to increase bile production)
• digestive aid
• promotes menstruation
• tonic

Key Components

(a) Oregano

• essential oil
• volatile oil (mainly carvacrol, thymol, beta-bisabolene, caryophyllene, linalool, and borneol)
• tannins
• resin
• sterols
• flavonoids

(b) Marjoram

• essential oil
• volatile oil (about 3% mainly sabinene hydrate, sabinene, linalool, carvacrol, and others)
• flavonoids
• caffeic acid
• rosmarinic acid
• triterpenoids

Medicinal Parts

• Aerial parts
• Both carvacrol and thymol are antibacterial and antifungal.
• In one Australian study, oregano was found to inhibit the growth of eleven different microorganisms.

Traditional Uses

 Marjoram has long been used to ease cramps and stomach upsets, including flatulence and colic while stimulating the flow of bile. It appears to have a stronger effect on the nervous system than oregano.

The Mexicans use a species, listed as one of the top ten medicinal plants in their culture, to treat symptoms of cold and flu, coughs, sore throat, and respiratory congestion.

In Belize, the plants are used in a tea to treat upper respiratory tract infections, induce menstruation, and, when taken as a leaf decoction after childbirth, to help expel a retained placenta.

A boiled leaf solution is said to be a good wash for wounds and burns.

Marjoram is a good general tonic, helping to relieve anxiety, headaches, and insomnia.

The plants are strongly antiseptic and can be taken to treat coughs, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and asthma. – – The diluted oil can be applied externally to a toothache or painful joints.

In Chinese medicine, oregano is used for colds, fevers, vomiting, dysentery, jaundice, and malnutrition in children.

The herb is best used for rhinitis and colds in infants and small children, but also used to treat gastritis in small children, as well as in adults. However, the salve should not be used on small children.

Botanical and Common Names

• Family Lilaceae
• Allium ascalonicum (Shallots)
• Allium cepa, Allium fistulosum (Onion, Green onions, Spring onions, Scallions)
• Allium schoenoprasum (Chive(s), Cive garlic, Civet)

Cautions

• Onions can cause digestive upsets in some people if too many are eaten raw at one time.

Description

 Onions are native to the Northern Hemisphere, but have been cultivated worldwide for thousands of years. They are bulbous perennials that are closely related to garlic, having hollow stems and leaves, white or purple flowers, and bulbs of varying sizes, shapes, and pungenciesthat are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

History

 Onions have been used since ancient times for various health problems.

Bunches were hung on doors to ward off the plague, typhoid, and cholera in medieval Europe.

Wild onions were widely used as food and medicine by the Native Americans, who used all varieties interchangably. Onions were often used to treat stings and to help relieve colds.

Blackfeet mothers drank a wild onion tea to pass the medicinal properties on to their babies. They also treated colds, headaches, and sinus trouble by inhaling smoke from a smudge made from the bulb. They used snuff made from the dry bulb to open sinuses.

The Cheyenne made poultices to treat carbuncles. After one came to a head and opened, a tea of boiled plant parts was poured into the cavity to loosen and clear out the pus.

Both the Stephen Long expedition to the Rocky Mountains (1819-1820) and the expedition of Prince Maximilian of Germany to the Missouri River region (1832-1834) used wild onions as a food to cure illnesses thought to be scurvy.

Onion poultices have long been used to treat croup, pneumonia, and chest colds.

The wild onion listed in the US Pharmacopoeia (1820-1905) and in the National Formulary (1916-1936) was the European species (A. sativum). However, according to Dr. A. Clapp, a prominent 19th century medical doctor, the bulbs from the Canadian species, A. canadense, were equal to the "official onion" medically.

Key Actions

• antiallergenic
• antimicrobial
• antiasthmatic
• decongestant
• diaphoretic
• expectorant
• inhibits thrombocyte aggregation (prevents blood clotting)
• lowers blood pressure

Key Components

• volatile oil with sulfurous constituents
• sulfur-containing compounds
• flavonoids
• penolic acids
• sterols

Medicinal Parts

 Bulbs

An old folk remedy for keeping germs out of the sickroom was to place half an onion on the bedside table. Some years ago, a large American university decided to carry out tests to see whether this had any scientific basis. The researchers found that onions actually "drew" airborne bacteria from the atmosphere, thereby sanitizing the sickroom.

The sulfur-containing compounds have antibiotic properties, and have proven to be effective against Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, pseudomonas aeroginosa, and E. Coli.

Remedies

 Poultices on the chest help relieve congestion, abscesses, and boils. Grated raw onions can be used in a poultice to alleviate chilblains.

Raw slices are used for external application to help treat bee stings, insect bites, hives, or nettle rash for instant relief.

Steam inhalation containing hot water and raw onions help relieve sinus congestion caused by colds.

Juice made from crushed raw onions and honey helps soothe coughs, sore throats (2 onions and 2 tbsp honey steeped overnight at room temperature).

Infusions made by steeping onions in hot water for two or three hoursare used to treat colds, congestion, coughs and bronchitis (4 medium-sized hot onions in 1 liter or pint of hot, filtered water).

A decoction for congestion is made by simmering onions in water for five to ten minutes, then straining and adding honey before drinking (3 onions to 3/4 cup of water).

Tea made from boiled onion skins are used to improve poor circulation, especially in cases of gout.

Traditional Uses

 Its pungency has a heating effect that increases circulation and causes sweating, which is helpful in lowering fevers and sweating out colds and flu.

Eating raw onions aids digestion and rids harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.

For warts, chop onions and cover with salt and leave overnight. Store the collected juice the next day and keep in a bottle. Dab the juice on the wart twice daily.

Onion juice can be applied to burns or as an antiseptic to cuts and abrasions, and can be used for a toothache.

Any of the onion family can be used puréed with water and sprayed on plants to keep away bugs and harmful plant fungi.

If onions are planted near roses, the scent of the rose is enhanced.

Botanical Names

• Family Fagaceae
• Quercus alba
• Quercus robur
• Quercus infectoria (Oak Gall)

Common Names

• Common Oak, Oak Bark, English Oak, Tanner's Bark, Pedunculate Oak
• Spanish: Encino, Encino Blanco/Rojo, Roble
• Nahuatl: Ahoatl, Ahoapatli

Cautions

• Do not take internally for more than four weeks at a time without a break.

Description

 The white oak likely originated in England, but now grows throughout most of North America, reaching heights of 150 feet and living up to 1000 years. It is a slow-growing deciduous tree, having deeply lobed leaves, long catkins, and green to brown fruit called acorns. It is found all over the Americas, Europe, Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and elsewhere.

Oak is a widely available species. varying from small scraggly bushes to a great tree. Because of the considerable variation in leaf shape, the only reliable method of identification is the fruit called acorns. They, or their caps, will almost always be present on the tree or scattered at its base. In Mexico, two Spanish names are used to describe the oak tree: encino and roble. "Los encinos" are generally smaller trees with smaller leaves and acorns.

Galls, sometimes called gallnuts, are a localized, generally round, ball-like growths on plants caused by irritation at the site of its occurrence. They are usually produced by gall wasps (Andricus gallae-tinktoriae) laying their eggs in the leaf buds. The development of the larva probably stimulates the bud, in a similar fashion as would a fungal infection, producing the gall as a reaction.

History

 The oak has a long history of being a sacred tree, especially to the Druids.

The bark was not only used medicinally but also to tan leather and to add flavouring to smoked fish.

Oak lumber was formerly used to build naval fleets of European nations. Whole forests were cleared to meet the demands of shipbuilders.

Oak bark has been used since the time of the Aztec empire as an effective remedy for diarrhea.

Acorns were a staple food for Native Americans, and also sustained many wild animals during the winter.

The Delaware, and others, used decoctions from the bark to treat sore throats, coughs, and other respiratory problems.

Key Actions

(a) Oak

• antidiarrheal
• astringent
• antiviral
• antiparasitic
• heals wounds
• stops bleeding

(b) Oak Gall

• astringent
• analgesic
• hypoglycemic
• sedative

Key Components

• tannins (15-20% including quercitannic acid, phlobatammin, ellagitannins, and gallic acid).
• Oak galls contain about 50% tannins.

Medicinal Parts

• Bark, galls (growths)

Remedies

 A decoction is used internally for hemorrhagic stools, non-menstrual uterine bleeding, and inflammations of the gastrointestinal tract.

Compresses soaked in decoctions are applied to hemorrhoidal bleeding, varicose veins, rashes, chronic itching, eczema, and eye inflammations.

Gargles from the decoction are used to treat sore throats and tonsillitis.

Lotions and ointments are used to treat hemorrhoids and fissures, small burns, and other skin problems.

Powdered bark may be taken as a snuff to treat nasal polyps or sprinkled on eczema to dry out the affected area.

Douches are used for vaginal discharges.

The galls are used in place of the bark, but in smaller quantities.

Traditional Uses

 It is used to treat diarrhea, dysentary, and rectal bleeding. The tea or infusion can be drunk to correct diarrhea or dysentary, but can also be used as an enema. At one time, oak enemas were the primary approach to the treatment of extreme cases of dysentary as it causes a very rapid correction of the problem.

It is effective in the treatment of inflammatory skin problems, including frostbite and chilblains. Oak bark can be added to bathwater to treat large areas of damaged skin rather than applying it directly to affected areas.

It is also effective for such mouth inflammations as gingivitis.

Ayurvedic medicine uses oak for a wide variety of conditions, ranging from hemorrhaging to bronchitis, fever, and gonorrhea, as well as diabetes and tonsillitis.

Chinese medicine uses it for dysentery and hemorrhoids.

One teaspoon of the powdered bark in a cup of water is boiled gently for fifteen minutes and applied to an affected area. For bleeding wounds, the powdered leaf, twigs, bark, or galls are equally effective when applied directly to the wound. Often, using the powdered herb along with such powerful antibiotic herbs as usnea or echinacea gives an added boost to the healing process.

Oak galls are particularly potent medicine as they may contain up to two or three times the tannin of the bark, but can be used for the same things, although in smaller quantities.